Trade war: Trump is putting pressure on Europe – what now for the internal market?

Trade war: Trump is putting pressure on Europe – what now for the internal market?

The trade conflict between the USA and Europe is becoming increasingly severe. Donald Trump has reimposed tariffs, creating a tense atmosphere in transatlantic relations. The European Union is trying to deal with the situation but faces vague prospects of an agreement.

The European institutions are concerned about the possible far-reaching effects of this development. Many experts warn of major and measurable damage that could result from the conflict. In this context, the urgency for Europe to focus on its own concerns becomes even clearer. The EU Commission describes the internal market as an “anchor of stability and resilience” in times of economic uncertainty, highlighting the importance of this post-peace achievement Süddeutsche.de reported.

Reactions in the European Parliament

After Trump's re-election in November 2024, the discussion about the impact on transatlantic relations intensified in the European Parliament. Leading MEPs called for continued cooperation, particularly in the week of Trump's inauguration. During a debate on February 12, 2025, MEPs, Council and European Commission representatives expressed their concerns about the Trump administration's tariff threats.

Adam Szłapka, Polish Minister for European Affairs, highlighted the benefits of open, rules-based and fair international trade. He stressed the importance of maintaining trade relations to address economic uncertainty. Maroš Šefčovič, a member of the European Commission, also sharply criticized the US tariffs, which he characterized as harmful to businesses and consumers. Bernd Lange, chairman of the Committee on International Trade, also pointed out the possibility of counter-tariffs to protect the European economy, such as European Parliament reported.

Meaning of deterrence

Sophie Wilmès, deputy chair of the parliamentary delegation for relations with the US, also commented on the developments. She emphasized the importance of deterring new tariffs and thereby demonstrated the EU's willingness to take active action against the Trump administration's measures. The EU finds itself in a critical situation and must take measures to ensure the stability of its markets and support fair international trade.